\n<\/p>\n
Rosenior was broadly pleased with his team despite the defeat – his first since taking charge – and highlighted positives in almost every individual performance.<\/p>\n
“The biggest problem for us is that we had a lot of illness, injury and we’re playing against a very, very good team,” added Rosenior.<\/p>\n
Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo Gusto all failed late fitness tests, while Moises Caicedo was suspended and illness forced Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens on the sidelines too.<\/p>\n
On Palmer, Rosenior said: “He had a minor strain in his thigh. If you play a player too early in January with a minor strain, it can turn into six weeks out. I can’t afford to lose Cole Palmer for six weeks because he’s that good.”<\/p>\n
He added James had “a big knock on his hip”, but “hopefully he will be back for Saturday”.<\/p>\n
“Gittens was ill last night, Liam Delap was due to play – he was ill four hours before the game,” said Rosenior.<\/p>\n
“Both of them had really high temperatures – dangerously high. Hopefully they can rest up and will be OK for Saturday.”<\/p>\n
Rosenior was keen to point out Chelsea<\/a> had competed well against an Arsenal<\/a> side that had lost only twice in all competitions this season, and his team can still fight back in the second leg at Emirates Stadium on 3 February.<\/p>\n “We’re playing probably the best pressing team in Europe today, with their full?strength team, and we’re missing a lot of players,” he added.<\/p>\n “I was proud of the bravery of the players to try to execute certain aspects of what I asked. In six days, we’ve had two games. I’m not asking for time because I think the group are good enough to win now.<\/p>\n “But I need to put my stamp on the team as well – otherwise there’s no point in me being here. So it’s a fine balance, and hopefully the fans will see the progression in the team. But we need to win at the same time.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n